Category Archives: Bishop Kopacz

Christ at the center of faith formation

Posted on by
Reply

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
In season and out of season the Lord calls us to grow in wisdom, knowledge and grace as his disciples. This is the work of conversion, faith formation and ultimately, holiness. On a rolling timetable during this season of the year our Catholic Schools, Adult Faith Formation Certification, Religious Education programs, R.C.I.A., Sacramental preparation, scripture courses, Faith Formation Days, retreats, Safe Environment training and more, resume with great zeal and hope.
Our Diocesan Vision of Inspiring Disciples, Serving Others and Embracing Diversity is renewed once again. This external manifestation of beehive activity rests upon a summer full of well-deserved rest, review of the past year and planning for the new season. The work of faith formation is a 12-month quest and I am eternally grateful to all who remain on the path hearing the call of the Lord Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Earlier this year on March 19, Pope Francis opened a door for all who are engaged in the mission of evangelization and faith formation with his Apostolic Exhortation, “Guadete et Exultate (Rejoice and be Glad), the Call to Holiness in the Modern World.” This inspiring and readable exhortation begins with the Saints who encourage and accompany us, and the Saints next door.” Of course, the former is the Cloud of Witnesses already around the throne of God, as described in the letter to the Hebrews and the book of Revelation, and the latter refers to family members, neighbors, parishioners and friends. One of the gems of this document is the section on the Beatitudes that is a compass for all disciples to embrace the Lord’s mind and heart.
Our Catholic Schools have chosen the Beatitudes as central to this year’s focus. Another golden opportunity for diocesan leadership is our fall convocation whose theme is “Forming Intentional Disciples.” Sherry Weddell, the author of the landmark book pertaining to intentional disciples, and a national speaker in demand, accepted our invitation to our three-day convocation because of our Diocesan Vision to Inspire Disciples-Serve Others-Embrace Diversity. Kudos to our Continuing Formation Committee for this exceptional outcome.
The above is a remarkable package of faith formation and evangelization, but I want to reflect upon what for all of us is the source and summit of all formation, evangelization and holiness, the Mass. During the past five weeks the Church throughout the Catholic world has proclaimed the Bread of Life discourse from the sixth Chapter in Saint John’s Gospel. Today was the culminating dialogue between Jesus and those who were struggling to understand his shocking words. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
The Eucharist, Word and Sacrament, the real presence of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is life-long formation for all disciples. We in the Catholic world have the gift and mystery of Eucharistic faith that has been our food for the journey on the path to eternal life. I encourage all in faith formation to never tire of fully integrating everyone in faith formation into the sacramental life of the Church, especially the Eucharist. Word, worship, community and service are the total package of what it means to belong to Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, the Master Teacher draws us to the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit.
As the miasma of the sexual abuse crisis envelops the Church once again let us not forget that one of our critical pastoral priorities is the Gospel mandate to be forgiving, healing and reconciling communities. Evangelization and faith formation are not possible without repentance and conversion. Thanks be to God, the Church has planted many of these seeds which have grown and continue to flourish in all our ministries. The priority for healing and reconciliation are the victims of sexual abuse and their families, and we must never tire of restoring life through God’s mercy and justice at the foot of the Cross. Thank you to all who daily foster safe environments for our children and young people and who accompany victims who are on the path of healing and hope. Nothing is impossible for God, because God is love.

Bishop Kopacz schedule

Posted on by
Reply

Thursday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m. – Closing Mass and lunch- Deacon/LEM Retreat, Louisville Lake Tiak O’Khata.
Sunday, Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. – Installation of Father Darnis Selvanayakam, as pastor, Philadelphia Holy Cross Parish.
Tuesday, Aug. 21, 8 a.m. -Opening school Mass and Senior breakfast, Natchez Cathedral School at the Basilica of St. Mary.
Friday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. – Hispanic Ministry workshop for pastors, Hosffman Ospino, presenter, Pearl St. Jude Parish.
Saturday, Aug. 25, 8 a.m. – Faith Formation Day, Madison St. Joseph School.
Saturday, Aug. 25, 4:15 p.m. – Confessions, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Saturday, Aug. 25, 5:15 p.m. – Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Sunday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. – Installation of Father Peter Phong Nguyen, SVD, as pastor, Indianola Immaculate Conception Parish.
Sunday, Aug. 26, 2 p.m. – Formal welcoming of Executive Director Shakebra Young, Mound Bayou St. Gabriel’s Mercy Center.
Tuesday, Aug. 28 9:15 a.m. – Opening school Mass, Greenville St. Joseph School.
Wednesday, Aug. 29 9:10 a.m. – Opening school Mass, Vicksburg Catholic School.
Thursday, Aug. 30 9:50 a.m. – Mass of the Holy Spirit and meeting with seniors, Madison St. Joseph School.

Only public events are listed on this schedule and all events are subject to change.
Please check with the local parish for further details

El abusado clama al cielo por justicia

Posted on by
Reply

+ Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Por Obispo Joseph Kopacz
A lo largo de la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos muchos están agonizando por las revelaciones de los crímenes, del Cardenal Theodore McCarrick contra menores, el flagrante abuso de poder y el comportamiento sexual desenfrenado con seminaristas y otros. Dolor, ira y vergüenza están ensombreciendo a los fieles y viejas heridas se reabren. Hay muchas preguntas sin respuesta, pero por más desagradable que sea la verdad, pues solo la verdad pondrá a las víctimas, sus familias y a la Iglesia en el camino hacia la sanación, la justicia y la nueva vida. La revelación del comportamiento pecaminoso de un prelado de alto rango en la Iglesia no resta valor a todo el buen trabajo que la Iglesia Católica ha hecho para proteger a los niños y jóvenes desde 2002, pero es un retroceso horrible en los esfuerzos para restaurar la confianza.
La vasta mayoría de las diócesis católicas en Estados Unidos han trabajado muy duro durante estos 16 años para ser fieles al documento conocido como La Carta de Dallas, titulada “ Promesa de Proteger y Compromiso de Sanar” (Promise to Protect and the Pledge to Heal; por su nombre en inglés). El fomento de entornos seguros en nuestros ministerios es ahora la norma, y el apoyo firme a las víctimas de abuso sexual que luchan por la sanación y la esperanza en sus vidas, ha sido un compromiso incansable.
Los resultados son dignos de elogio; los protocolos creados por los programas para una Iglesia de ambiente seguro han reducido significativamente los abusos a menores por miembros del personal de las iglesias. De igual manera sabemos que toma entre 20 y 30 años, como promedio, para que una víctima se decida a dar un paso adelante y cuente su trágica historia. Este fue el caso de las víctimas del Cardenal McCarrick. Muchos nunca revelan su herida porque es demasiado doloroso el hacerlo. Esta es la razón por la cual difundimos repetidamente la declaración que alienta, a todas las víctimas de abuso sexual por parte del personal de la Iglesia, a presentarse sin importar cuánto tiempo haya pasado desde ocurrido el abuso. El sufrimiento no tiene estatuto de limitaciones.
El abuso sexual es un mal y un crimen que causa estragos, destrucción y desesperación, por tanto el enemigo, el maligno se regocija en esto porque el abuso está envuelto en tinieblas, mentiras y vergüenza. El abuso desata el poder del infierno sobre las víctimas y sus familias y con frecuencia se propaga de una generación a otra, a menos que el ciclo se rompa a la luz de la verdad, la curación y la reconciliación.
Al principio de mi sacerdocio, durante un período de 15 años, tuve la oportunidad de enseñar Desarrollo Humano a adolescentes en tres de nuestras escuelas primarias en la Diócesis de Scranton. El don de la sexualidad está floreciendo a esta edad, y el saber que hay personas en la Iglesia que se aprovechan de estos jóvenes, adolescentes y de los menores en cada etapa de su desarrollo es un ataque desmedido contra la dignidad humana.
En la Diócesis de Jackson nos comprometemos a fomentar ambientes seguros en nuestras Escuelas Católicas, en nuestros Programas de Educación Religiosa y en nuestros Ministerios de la Juventud para que los niños y jóvenes que nos han sido confiados puedan alcanzar el potencial dado por Dios en cada aspecto de sus vidas.
Además, serví como Director de Formación durante 14 años en nuestro Seminario Universitario en Scranton, Pensilvania y escuchar de la explotación de jóvenes que están discerniendo una vocación por aquellos en autoridad y supuestos a nutrirlos, también clama al cielo por justicia. La transparencia y el cultivo de una cultura de confianza, respeto y responsabilidad son las normas de los seminarios donde nuestros seminaristas de Jackson están formándose: Saint Ben’s (Colegio Seminario St. Joseph) en Covington, Luisiana; Notre Dame en Nueva Orleans y el Sagrado Corazón en Hales Corner, Wisconsin.
Durante los dos últimos años, como miembro de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB; por sus siglas en inglés), he estado sirviendo en el Comité para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes. Esto me sitúa en el centro de la resolución permanente de la Iglesia de proteger y sanar, tal como se establece en La Carta de Dallas y de aplicar estos esfuerzos y mejores prácticas a nuestra propia red de Ambientes Seguros en nuestra Diócesis.
La Carta dirige la acción en los siguientes asuntos:
• Crear un ambiente seguro para niños y jóvenes;
• Sanación y reconciliación de víctimas y sobrevivientes;
• Hacer una respuesta pronta y efectiva a las acusaciones;
• Cooperar con las autoridades civiles;
• Disciplinar a los culpables;
• Proporcionar medios de rendición de cuentas para garantizar en el futuro que el problema continúe siendo tratado de manera efectiva a través de la Secretaría de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes y la Junta Nacional de Revisión.
Que el Señor Jesús, que dio la bienvenida a los niños y los abrazó en su amor, traiga la verdad que nos hará libres, la justicia que restablecerá las relaciones correctas con Dios y con los demás, la sanación y la reconciliación que son los estándares de todas las comunidades cristianas, su cuerpo, la Iglesia.

Abused cry out to heaven for justice

Posted on by
Reply
+Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

+Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
Throughout the Catholic Church in the United States many are agonizing over the revelations of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s crimes against minors, flagrant abuse of power, and unrestrained sexual behavior with seminarians and others. Hurt, anger and shame are casting a widespread pall over the faithful as old wounds are ripped open. There are many unanswered questions but as ugly as the truth will be, the truth will set the victims and their families, and the Church on the path to healing, justice and new life.
The disclosure of the sinful behavior of a high-ranking prelate in the Church does not undermine all the good work that the Catholic Church has done to protect children and young people since 2002, but it is an awful setback in the efforts to restore trust. The vast majority of Catholic dioceses in the United States have worked hard during the past 16 years to be faithful to the Promise to Protect and the Pledge to Heal, the document we know as the Dallas Charter. The fostering of safe environments in our ministries is now the norm, and the steadfast support for victims of sexual abuse who struggle for healing and hope in their lives, has been an unflagging commitment.
The results are commendable because Church safe environment programs and protocols have reduced significantly the abuse of minors by Church personnel. However, we also know that it takes 20 to 30 years on average for a victim to muster the resolve to come forward with their tragic story. This was the case with Cardinal McCarrick’s victims. Many never reveal their woundedness because it is just too painful to do so.
This is the reason why we repeatedly disseminate the statement that encourages all victims of sexual abuse by Church personnel to come forward no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Suffering has no statute of limitations. Sexual abuse is an evil and a crime that wreaks havoc, destruction and despair, and the enemy, the Evil One, loves it, because it is shrouded in darkness, lies and shame. It unleashes the power of hell upon victims and their families and it often spreads from one generation to the next unless the cycle is broken by the light of truth, healing and reconciliation.
Earlier in my priesthood, I had the opportunity to teach Human Development during a 15-year span to early adolescents in three of our elementary schools in the Diocese of Scranton. The gift of sexuality is flowering at this age and to know that there are those in the Church who would prey upon these young teens, and upon minors at each stage of their development, is an unconscionable assault against human dignity. In the Diocese of Jackson we are committed to foster safe environments in our Catholic Schools, in our Religious Education Programs and in our Youth Ministries so that the children and young people entrusted to us can reach their God-given potential in every aspect of their lives.
Moreover, I served as a Formation Director for 14 years at our College Seminary in Scranton, Pennsylvania and to hear of the exploitation of young men who are discerning a vocation by those in authority who should be nurturing them, also cries out to heaven for justice. Transparency and the cultivation of a culture of trust, respect and accountability are the standards at the seminaries where our Jackson seminarians are in formation: Saint Ben’s (St. Joseph Seminary College) in Covington, Louisiana, Notre Dame in New Orleans, and Sacred Heart in Hales Corner, Wisconsin.
For the past two years as a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I have been serving on The Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People. This places me at the center of the Church’s ongoing resolve to protect and to heal as set forth in the Dallas Charter, and to apply these efforts and best practices to our own network of safe environments in our Diocese. The Charter directs action in all the following matters:
• Creating a safe environment for children and young people;
• Healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors;
• Making prompt and effective response to allegations;
• Cooperating with civil authorities;
• Disciplining offenders;
• Providing for means of accountability for the future to ensure the problem continues to be effectively dealt with through the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection and the National Review Board.
May the Lord Jesus who welcomed the children and embraced them in his love, bring about the truth that will set us free, the justice that will restore right relationships with God and with one another, and the healing and reconciliation that are the standards of all Christian communities, his Body, the Church.

Bishops ask for freedom to serve

Posted on by
Reply

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
Recently, the United States Catholic of Bishops (USCCB) designated the week of June 22-29 as Religious Freedom Week. This has evolved from a Fortnight for Freedom, begun in 2008, a time frame that leads to the celebration of our nation’s founding on July 4th each year.
The slice of time of one is apropos for the matter, both in our society as we approach the celebration of liberty every year, and in our Church because it begins on the feast day of Saints Thomas More and John Fisher, martyrs for religious freedom, and ends with the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, the prototypical martyrs of religious conscience and integrity of faith.
But, “it has been difficult,” says the chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville “as we’re swimming upstream in this culture. Some people think religious freedom is the threat” but “Religious Liberty Week is about the Gospel, it is meant to inspire a culture.” Religious freedom is the cornerstone of our nation’s constitution. The first amendment begins: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..”
Speaking on behalf of the Conference of Catholic Bishops, the archbishop has asked Americans to pray and “act in support of religious liberty at home and abroad.” The archbishop went on to explain, “Religious freedom allows the space for people of faith to serve others in God’s love in ministries like education, adoption and foster care, health care, and migration and refugee services. We encourage people of faith to reflect on the importance of religious freedom so that we might have the space to carry out our mission of service and mercy, and we invite everyone to pray for our brothers and sisters who face intense persecution in other parts of the world.”
The theme for this year’s observance’ “Serving Others in God’s Love” portrays the nature of the church for nearly two millennia. Beginning with the Lord Jesus, who came, not be served but to serve, it is self-evident, in the Bible and in our tradition, that the Church is most faithful to her Lord when she wears the mantle of service on the road to salvation.
Word, Worship, Community and Service are the standards for all Christian communities, and the free exercise thereof is the capacity to run on all cylinders, both within our church structures and as active citizens in society for the common good through our church’s ministries and services. The Lord’s mandate is to go and make disciples of all the nations, teaching them everything I have commanded you, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. (Matthew, Ch 28) Often, it is our ministries and services that attract people to the beauty, truth, and light of the crucified and risen Lord, breathing life into our evangelizing, teaching and preaching.
To serve others is central to our diocesan vision and at times it is a blessing to take a long, loving look at what is real, the panorama of ministries, works and services that thrive around our diocese. The vision is embodied in our parishes and in education, in health care and through Catholic Charities. It is the generosity of the faithful that makes it possible and this bountiful giving occurs on a daily basis, for special fund raising events, and through our annual Catholic Service Appeal.
On this note, I want to thank the thousands of people throughout the Diocese of Jackson who generously support our Catholic Service Appeal. It is a life-line for our mission, vision, and ministries within our diocesan structures on behalf of our Catholic people, as well as in many corners of our state as a visible sign of Christ’s love for all.
You can rest assured that your support is allowing the diocese to inspire the culture with the Gospel, to bring about the Kingdom of God, and to serve others in God’s love. This is the free exercise of our Catholic faith, in season and out or season, in our churches and in society. Let us never tire of being faithful disciples and citizens on behalf of life, justice and peace.

Bishop schedule

Posted on by
Reply

Thursday, May 31, 6:30 p.m. – Priestly Ordination of Deacons Aaron Williams and Nick Adam, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Friday, Jun. 1, 12:05 p.m. – Father Aaron Williams’ first Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Friday, Jun. 1, 6 p.m. – Father Nick Adam’s first Mass, Jackson St. Richard Parish.
Sunday, Jun. 3, 9 a.m. – Confirmation, Jackson Christ the King Parish.
Sunday, Jun. 3, 1 p.m. – Confirmation, Misa en Espanol, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Sunday, Jun. 3 – 6, USCCB Child and Youth protection Catholic leadership conference, New Orleans. (Bishop will present closing address)
Friday, Jun. 8, 6 p.m. – Ordination to diaconate of Mark Shoffner, Greenville St. Joseph Parish.
Satuday, Jun. 9, 6 p.m. – Catholic Charities’ Bishop’s Ball, Country Club of Jackson.
Satuday, Jun. 11 – 17 – USCCB Spring General Meeting, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Only public events are listed on this schedule and all events are subject to change.
Please check with the local parish for further details

New memorial advances devotion to Mary

Posted on by
Reply

Bishop Joseph Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
The Pentecost experience, akin to the Big Bang that burst out into the universe, continues to expand and accelerate in the creative and saving power of the Holy Spirit. At the Last Supper Jesus promised that the Spirit would lead us into all truth, or a deeper knowledge and understanding of the mysteries of our faith from one generation to the next.
Recently, Pope Francis pronounced that from this day forward the Monday after Pentecost is to be celebrated as the Memorial of Mary, the Mother of the Church. Mary, whose Fiat brought about a new world for God’s plan of salvation in the Incarnation of the eternal Logos, reveals to every generation that the Holy Spirit, when alive in the hearts and minds of the faithful, will bring Jesus Christ to life, a light shining in the darkness.
Mary has many titles in the Church to express the singularity of her vocation and this latest one arises from the Pentecost moment nearly 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. Mary was assembled with the Apostles and the other disciples, 120 in total, when the Holy Spirit poured forth into their hearts and minds, creating a new day with power from on high. “This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it.”
So the mother of the Lord Jesus, has always been and now is formally venerated as the mother of the Church, the Body of Christ in the world. Like Mary, our souls proclaim the greatness of the Lord as we treasure all these things in our hearts, holding Jesus Christ close in our daily lives.
As in many instances throughout the history of the Church, Pope Francis, as the successor of St. Peter, speaks on behalf of the Church and in this instance has formally decreed a new memorial on behalf of all of the faithful, many of whom express their love for Mary in their daily devotion. The ministry of the Holy Father, the successor of St. Peter, is to recreate and expand Pentecost when the Holy Spirit raised up St. Peter to speak on behalf of the 120 to the incredulous throngs gathered in Jerusalem for a Jewish feast.
All assembled in prayer had received the gift of the Holy Spirit, represented in the hovering tongues of flames and the strong driving wind. From this mutual encounter with their saving God in Jesus Christ, Peter, with that Galilean accent who only days before vehemently denied his Lord, now boldly evangelized about salvation in his Name to all who would listen. Recently, at a pre-synod gathering on young people, the faith and vocational discernment in Rome, a remarkable photo revealed the dynamics of a Pentecost moment. Pope Francis, in his white cassock, was pictured seated in the center of a packed hall of the faithful, representatives from many nations and regions around the world who were partaking in the pre-synod process.
There sat Francis of Rome surrounded by laity, religious and ordained. Open to the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit all were listening to a presentation, one of many that will lead to a post-synodal exhortation from Pope Francis. Like St. Peter, eventually, he will rise up from the midst of his sisters and brothers and speak to the Church and the world. The Holy Spirit has empowered Pope Francis in his Petrine ministry over the past five years in ordinary and extraordinary ways.
The Joy of the Gospel, Evangelii Guadium, is his landmark Apostolic Exhortation on evangelization, the fruit of a world-wide synodal dialogue and discernment. More recently, he gave to the Church Amoris Latitiae, the Joy of Love, a panorama of the challenges of living the gospel in marriage and family in the modern world. This exhortation emerged as the fruit of the Holy Spirit after a two year, grassroots process in the universal Church, offering a path, consolation, hope and light.
Lastly, the Pentecost moment calls us back to our center where we know that we are God’s children, brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus and temples of the Holy Spirit. I have witnessed the Holy Spirit throughout the Diocese of Jackson during the 19 celebrations of Confirmation to date. These are extraordinary moments to be sure, but they can only materialize because of the Holy Spirit’s burning presence in the hearts and minds of families and parish communities from day to day.
For some, the flame may have been as imperceptible as a pilot light waiting to be stirred into something more in God’s good time. Yet, the gift of the Church, the Body of Christ, calls us all back to our Pentecost, our birthday of the Lord, where we can renew our identity and vocation as his disciples. From that first community in Jerusalem to the many communities throughout our diocese, with Mary, Pope Francis and the newly confirmed, we pray together, Come, Holy Spirit and renew the face of the earth.

Nueva fiesta dedicada a María

Posted on by
Reply

Obispo Joseph Kopacz

Por Obispo Joseph Kopacz
La experiencia de Pentecostés, parecida a la gran explosión que estalló en el universo, continúa expandiéndose y acelerándose en la creatividad y fuerza salvífica del Espíritu Santo. En la Última Cena, Jesús prometió que el Espíritu nos llevaría a toda la verdad, o a profundizar en el conocimiento y la comprensión de los misterios de nuestra fe de una generación a la siguiente. Recientemente, el Papa Francisco declaró que a partir de este día el lunes después de Pentecostés se celebrará como el Memorial de María, la Madre de la Iglesia. María, cuyo mandato, trajo un nuevo mundo para el plan de salvación de Dios en el misterio de la Encarnación del Logos eterno, revela a cada generación que el Espíritu Santo cuando vive en los corazones y las mentes de los fieles, traerá a Jesucristo a la vida, una luz que brilla en la oscuridad.
María tiene muchos títulos en la Iglesia para expresar la singularidad de su vocación, y este último surge desde el momento de Pentecostés hace casi 2000 años en Jerusalén.
María estaba reunida con los apóstoles y los demás discípulos, 120 en total, cuando el Espíritu Santo se infundió en sus corazones y mentes, creando un nuevo día con poder desde lo alto. “Este es el día que el Señor ha creado, alegrémonos y regocijémonos en él.” Así que la Madre del Señor Jesús, ha sido siempre, y ahora es oficialmente venerada como Madre de la Iglesia, el Cuerpo de Cristo en el mundo.
Como María, nuestra alma proclama la grandeza del Señor y valoramos todas estas cosas en nuestros corazones, manteniendo a Jesucristo cerca en nuestra vida diaria. Como en muchos casos a lo largo de la historia de la Iglesia, el Papa Francisco, como sucesor de San Pedro, habla en nombre de la Iglesia, y en este caso ha decretado oficialmente un nuevo memorial en nombre de todos los fieles, muchos de los cuales expresan su amor por María en su devoción diaria.
El ministerio del Santo Padre, el sucesor de San Pedro, es la recreación y expansión de Pentecostés, cuando el Espíritu Santo inspiró a San Pedro para que hablara en nombre de los 120 a la incrédula multitud reunida en Jerusalén para una fiesta Judía. Todos los reunidos en oración habían recibido el don del Espíritu Santo, representado en las flotantes lenguas de fuego y el fuerte viento. A partir de este encuentro mutuo con su Dios salvador en Jesucristo, Pedro, con ese acento Galileo, quien sólo unos días antes había negado rotundamente a su Señor, ahora audazmente evangeliza acerca de la salvación en su nombre a todos los que desean escuchar. Recientemente, en una reunión Pre-Sínodo sobre los jóvenes, la fe y el discernimiento vocacional en Roma una notable foto revela la dinámica de un momento de Pentecostés.
El Papa Francisco, en su sotana blanca, fue fotografiado sentado en el centro de una sala repleta de fieles, representantes de muchos países y regiones del mundo que estaban tomando parte en el proceso Pre-Sínodo. Allí estaba sentado Francisco de Roma, rodeado de laicos, religiosos y sacerdotes. Abiertos a la sabiduría y el poder del Espíritu Santo, todos escuchaban una presentación, una de las muchas que conducirían a una exhortación post-sinodal del Papa Francisco. Como San Pedro, eventualmente, él se levantará de en medio de sus hermanos y hermanas, y le hablará a la Iglesia y al mundo.
El Espíritu Santo ha facultado al Papa Francisco en su ministerio petrino durante los últimos cinco años en forma ordinaria y extraordinaria. La Alegría del Evangelio, Evangelii Guadium, es su memorable exhortación apostólica sobre la evangelización, el fruto de un diálogo y discernimiento sinodal mundial. Más recientemente, le dio a la Iglesia el Amoris Latitiae, la Alegría del Amor, un panorama de los desafíos de vivir el Evangelio en el matrimonio y la familia en el mundo moderno. Esta exhortación emergió como el fruto del Espíritu Santo después de un período de dos años, el proceso de base en la Iglesia universal, ofreciendo un camino, consuelo, esperanza y luz.
En conclusión, el momento de Pentecostés nos llama a nuestro centro donde sabemos que somos hijos de Dios, hermanos y hermanas del Señor Jesús, y templos del Espíritu Santo. He sido testigo del Espíritu Santo en toda la Diócesis de Jackson durante las 19 celebraciones de confirmación hasta la fecha.
De seguro estos son momentos extraordinarios, pero sólo pueden materializarse a causa de la ardiente presencia del Espíritu Santo en los corazones y en las mentes de las familias y de las comunidades parroquiales día a día. Para algunos la llama puede haber sido tan imperceptible como una luz piloto a la espera de ser agitados en algo más en el tiempo bueno de Dios. Sin embargo, el don de la Iglesia, el Cuerpo de Cristo, nos llama a todos de vuelta a nuestro Pentecostés, nuestro cumpleaños del Señor, donde podemos renovar nuestra identidad y vocación como discípulos suyos. Desde esa primera comunidad en Jerusalén a muchas comunidades a lo largo de nuestra diócesis, con María, el Papa Francisco y los recientemente confirmados, oramos juntos, Ven, Espíritu Santo y renueva la faz de la tierra.

El Papa Francisco ofrece una lección de santidad

Posted on by
Reply

Obispo Joseph Kopacz

Por Obispo Joseph Kopacz
“Que mi gozo esté en ustedes, y su gozo sea colmado” (Jn 15, 11). Estas fueron las palabras de Jesús en el Evangelio del domingo pasado cuando él estaba preparando a sus discípulos para su radical separación de ellos en la cruz. En la misma conversación los invita a una amistad divina y los instruye, o quizá les suplica a “que se amen unos a otros como yo los he amado a ustedes” (Jn 15:12-14). Este pasaje es el camino ideal de la reciente Exhortación publicada del Papa Francisco sobre la santidad, Gaudate et Exultate. El resto de esta columna es un resumen de este regalo del Papa Francisco a la Iglesia y al mundo. El Papa Francisco despierta el Espíritu Santo dentro de cada creyente. “Con esta exhortación me gustaría insistir principalmente en la llamada a la santidad que Dios dirige a cada uno de nosotros y que también la dirige personalmente a ustedes”. (10) Nos recuerda que estamos rodeados por una gran nube de testigos (Hebreos 12:1) tanto los vivos como lo que están con el Señor en la eternidad que rezan por nosotros, y dan testimonio de todo lo que Dios puede hacer en nuestras vidas. “Me gusta contemplar la santidad presente en la paciencia del pueblo de Dios. En aquellos padres que crían a sus hijos con inmenso amor, en aquellos hombres y mujeres que trabajan duro para mantener a sus familias, en los enfermos, en los ancianos religiosos que nunca pierden su sonrisa. En su diaria perseverancia veo la santidad de la Iglesia militante. Muy a menudo es una santidad que se encuentra en nuestros vecinos, esos que viven en medio de nosotros, reflejan la presencia de Dios. Podríamos llamarlos “la clase media de la santidad” (7).
En virtud de nuestra fe y el bautismo, “todos estamos llamados a ser testigos, pero hay muchas maneras reales de dar testimonio. “El poder del Espíritu Santo les permite hacer esto, y al final la santidad es el fruto del Espíritu Santo en su vida” (14). En efecto, “cada santo es un mensaje que el Espíritu Santo toma de las riquezas de Cristo y da a su pueblo” (21).
“Esto debe excitarnos y animarnos a dar nuestro todo y abrazar ese único plan que Dios ha querido para cada uno de nosotros desde la eternidad” (13). “Antes de darte la vida, ya te había escogido; y antes de que nacieras te consagré” (Jer. 1:5). El Papa Francisco reconoce que con todo el alboroto y correderas, engaños y distracciones de nuestro mundo moderno, la santidad puede ser un camino difícil de caminar, pero nada es imposible para Dios. “No le tengas miedo a la santidad. No te quitará nada de tu energía, vitalidad y alegría. Por el contrario te convertirás en lo que el padre tenía en mente cuando te creó, y serás fiel en lo más hondo de tu ser. El depender de Dios, nos libera de toda forma de esclavitud y nos lleva a reconocer nuestra gran dignidad” (35).
Francis ve a la Iglesia y al mundo con el corazón amoroso y la mente de Jesucristo y expone las amenazas a crecer en santidad. Él habla de un nosticismo día moderno cuyos adeptos quieres que todo sea claro y controlado hasta el punto de controlar la trascendencia de Dios. “El Gnosticismo, por su propia naturaleza, trata de domesticar el misterio, sea el misterio de Dios y su gracia, o el misterio de la vida de los otros” (40-41).
Por otro lado, hay un día pelagianismo moderno que lo atribuye todo a la voluntad humana y el trabajo. Tradicionalmente, esto ha sido conocido por ser una “teología sin ayuda de otros” por el cual podemos ganar o incluso comprar nuestro camino al cielo. En oposición a este profundo error, el Papa Francisco habla de un don puro. “Su amistad trasciende infinitamente a nosotros; no la podemos comprar con nuestras obras; sólo puede ser un don nacido de su iniciativa amorosa. Esto nos invita a vivir en gozosa gratitud por este don totalmente inmerecido” (54). “Pero gracias a Dios que ha dado la victoria sobre el pecado y la muerte por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo” (1Cor 15:57).
Después el Papa Francisco nos abre la sabiduría de las Bienaventuranzas del Sermón del Monte. Bienaventurados los… o felices son … se convierte en un sinónimo de santo. Expresa el hecho de que aquellos que son fieles a Dios y a su palabra, por su entrega, obtienen la felicidad verdadera. A lo largo de varias páginas Francisco ofrece la sabiduría de Dios a la luz de la cruz y de la Resurrección, que a menudo es perseguida, burlada o ignorada. Los valores del mundo en cada época son una fuerte corriente contra la sabiduría de Dios, pero bienaventurados somos nosotros cuando nadamos en contra de ella por amor a Dios y a nuestros hermanos y hermanas (65-95).
El Papa Francisco también ve claramente los signos de santidad en la Iglesia y en el mundo moderno. Consideren a los que viven con perseverancia, paciencia y mansedumbre frente a la violencia del mundo, la frialdad e indiferencia. ¿Por qué? Porque “si Dios está a nuestro favor, ¿quién estará en contra de nosotros? (Romanos 8:31). Esta convicción es la fuente de paz y alegría de todos los santos y la gente santa (122). El rostro de santidad se manifiesta también en la alegría y el buen humor de muchos. Aunque totalmente realista, irradian un espíritu positivo y esperanzador. Si le permitimos al Señor que nos saque fuera de nuestro ambiente y cambie nuestras vidas, entonces podemos hacer como nos dice san Pablo: “Alégrense siempre en el Señor; repito, alégrense. (Flp 4:4) Vivir con audacia y pasión es otra característica de la santidad en nuestros tiempos, fundada en la promesa del Señor para estar con El hasta el final de los tiempos (Mt 28:20).
La audacia, el entusiasmo, la libertad de expresión, el fervor apostólico, son todos signos del Espíritu de Dios actuando, una luz en la oscuridad. ¿Con qué frecuencia el Papa Francisco dice, estamos tentados a permanecer cerca de la orilla, mientras que el Señor nos dirige a remar mar adentro? Como el profeta Jonás, estamos constantemente tentados a huir a un refugio seguro. Las personas santos y santas saben que este no es el camino de la santidad. “No teman”. La cuarta dimensión de la santidad en nuestro tiempo es saber que estamos llamados a vivir en comunidad, mínimamente donde están dos o tres reunidos en donde las personas aman los pequeños detalles de amor, ya sea la amistad, la familia, las comunidades eclesiales o el lugar de trabajo. San Juan de la Cruz le dijo a uno de sus seguidores. “Ustedes viven con otros para estar de moda y ser juzgados” (104). Las relaciones pueden ser crisoles donde el desafío de amarse el uno al otro se convierte en realidad. Como dice el poeta, “El Amor puede coronarte y crucificarte”.
Por último, está la llamada a la oración constante. “No creo en la santidad sin oración” son las sencillas palabras de nuestro Santo Padre (147). A menos que uno se siente a los pies del Señor, como lo hizo María, y “lo deje a él confortarte más y más con su amor y ternura, tú no podrás atrapar el fuego” (151).
La oración encuentra su cumplimiento definitivo en la misa donde juntos, la Palabra de Dios se convierte en “una lámpara para nuestros pasos y una luz en nuestro sendero (Salmo 119), y donde la Eucaristía, Pan de vida, es comunión con el Señor y el uno al otro, la fuerza para el camino y la promesa de la vida eterna.
Esto es sólo una idea de esta exhortación a la santidad, que es verdaderamente una luz para nuestro camino. Es una enseñanza por la cual podemos levantar nuestros corazones y nuestras mentes a Dios y a nuestro prójimo a fin de cumplir el plan de Dios para cada una de nuestras vidas. Gracias, Santo Padre Francisco. “Ven, Espíritu Santo. Llena los corazones de tus fieles”.

Holiness both ordinary, transcendent

Posted on by
Reply

Bishop Joseph Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
“That my joy will be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 15, 11)
These were the words of Jesus in last Sunday’s Gospel when he was preparing his disciples for his radical separation from them on the Cross. In the same conversation he invites them into divine friendship and instructs them – or maybe pleads with them – to “love one another as I have loved you.” 15,12-14) This passage is the ideal pathway into Pope Francis’ recently published exhortation on holiness, Gaudate et Exultate. The remainder of this column is an overview of this gift of Pope Francis to the Church and to the world.
Pope Francis awakens the Holy Spirit within each believer. “With this exhortation I would like to insist primarily on the call to holiness that the Lord addresses to each of us, that he also addresses personally to you.” (10) He reminds us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, (Hebrews 12,1) both living and with the Lord in eternity who pray for us and give witness to all that God can accomplish in our lives. “I like to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God’s people. In those parents who raise their children with immense love., in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile. In their daily perseverance I see the holiness of the Church militant. Very often it is a holiness found in our next-door neighbors, those who, living in our midst, reflect God’s presence. We might call them “the middle class of holiness.” (7)
By virtue of our faith and baptism we are all called to be witnesses, but there are many actual ways of bearing witness. “The power of the Holy Spirit enables you to do this and holiness in the end is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life.” (14) In fact, “every saint is a message which the Holy Spirit takes from the riches of Jesus Christ and gives to his people.” (21)
“This should excite and encourage us to give our all and to embrace that unique plan that God willed for each of us from eternity.” (13) “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you and before you were born I consecrated you.” (Jer. 1,5) Pope Francis acknowledges that with all of the din and zapping, allurements and distractions of our modern world, holiness can be a difficult road to walk but nothing is impossible with God. “Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you and you will be faithful to your deepest self. To depend on God, sets us free from every form of enslavement and leads us to recognize our great dignity.” (35)
Pope Francis looks upon the Church and the world with the loving heart and mind of Jesus Christ and exposes the threats to growth in holiness. He speaks of a modern-day Gnosticism whose adherents want everything to be clear and controlled to the point of controlling God’s transcendence. “Gnosticism by its very nature seeks to domesticate the mystery, whether the mystery of God and his grace or the mystery of others’ lives.” (40-41)
On the other hand, there is modern day Pelagianism that attributes everything to human will and work. Traditionally, this has been known to be a “bootstrap theology” by which we can earn or even buy our way into heaven. In opposition to this profound error, Pope Francis speaks of pure gift. “His friendship infinitely transcends us; we cannot buy it with our works; it can only be a gift born of his loving initiative. This invites us to live in joyful gratitude for this completely unmerited gift.” (54) “But thanks be to God who has given the victory over sin and death through our Lord, Jesus Christ.” (1Cor 15,57)
Pope Francis then breaks open for us the wisdom of the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. “Blessed are the”… or “Happy are”…becomes a synonym for holy are. It expresses the fact those faithful to God and his word, by their self-giving, gain true happiness. Over several pages Francis offers God’s wisdom in the light of the Cross and Resurrection which often is persecuted, mocked or ignored. The values of the world in every age are a strong current against the wisdom of God, but blessed are we when we swim against it out of love for God and our brothers and sisters. (65-95)
Pope Francis also sees clearly the signs of holiness in the Church and in the modern world. Consider those who live with perseverance, patience and meekness in the face of the world’s violence, coldness and indifference. Why? Because “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8,31) This conviction is the source of peace and joy of all the saints and holy people. (122)
The face of holiness is also seen in the joy and humor of many. Though completely realistic, they radiate a positive and hopeful spirit. If we allow the Lord to draw us out of our shell and change our lives, then we can do as Saint Paul tells us, “Rejoice in the Lord always; I say it again, rejoice”. (Phil 4,4) Living with boldness and passion is yet another feature of holiness in our times, grounded in the promise of the Lord to be with until the end of time. (Mt 28,20) Boldness, enthusiasm, the freedom to speak out, apostolic fervor, are all signs of the Spirit of God at work, a light in the darkness.
How often, Pope Francis says, are we tempted to stay close to the shore, whereas the Lords directs us to set out into the deep? Like the prophet Jonah, we are constantly tempted to flee to a safe haven. The saints and saintly people know that this is not the path to holiness. “Be not afraid.” The fourth dimension of holiness in our time is to know that we are called to live in community, minimally where two or three are gathered where people cherish the little details of love, whether this is in friendship, family, Church communities or in the workplace.
Saint John of the Cross told one of his followers. “You are living with others to be fashioned and tried.” (104) Relationships can be crucibles where the challenge to love one another becomes real. As the poet says. “Love can crown you and crucify you.” Lastly, there is the call to constant prayer. “I do not believe in holiness without prayer” are the straightforward words of our Holy Father. (147) Unless one sits at the feet of the Lord, as did Mary and “let him warm you more and more with his love and tenderness, you will not catch fire.” (151)
Prayer finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Mass where together the Word of God becomes “a lamp for our steps and a light for our path. (Ps 119) and where the Eucharist, the Bread of Life is communion with the Lord and one another, strength for the journey and the pledge of eternal life.
This is only a taste of this exhortation on holiness which is truly is a light for our path. It is a teaching by which we can raise up our hearts and minds to God and to our neighbor in order to fulfill God’s plan for each of our lives. Thank you, Pope Francis. “Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful.”
The exhortation is available online at the Vatican’s website

(Editor’s note: https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html. )